When it comes to our fur babies, there’s a lot to love. From the unconditional cuddles they give, to the playful moments we post on Instagram, the beauty of owning a pet is unmatched. However, we have all experienced the frustration or conflict that can come at times—sometime all the time—when our pet refuses to heed our instruction.
For Tiffany Copley, founder of Central Ohio Muttessori School (COMS), grooming pups toward internet superstars has been a way of life since she was just 16 years old. Of course it wasn’t Instagram back then. But happy owners has always been the goal. She says, “I’ve had owners hug me, crying, and thank me for saving their relationship with their dog.”
When her life took a turn in 2018, Tiffany doubled down on the 25 years of teaching she’d been doing independently and pursued her dream of teaching a new, gentler way of correcting poor pooch behavior. “My budget wasn't big enough to be called shoestring,” Tiffany recalls, “but I found a Worthington location to lease, and Central Ohio Muttessori School was officially born.”
Muttessori is a play on the word Montessori, because Tiffany’s school follows that model of instruction. “It’s a science-based method,” She explains, “that uses reward-based reinforcement, rather than punishment, for misbehavior. This doesn't mean we allow unwanted behaviors, but we address them in ways like redirection, management, and prevention while we build wanted behaviors.”
Accepting all breeds and every type of dog, COMS has a series of courses designed to fit every pet owner’s lifestyle. From day school to private lessons, and even an on-staff Certified Behavior Consultant, they do it all. But the real takeaway is what comes from the lessons.
We asked Tiffany about a typical day’s events: “In day school, dogs get group play, individual training sessions, and nap times. Training covers everything from basic manners to confidence building and advanced skills, to doggie arts and crafts.” She adds, “Owners say their dogs come home even more tired than after regular doggie day care!”
Choosing the Montessori method for a puppy school was more than just a means to a clever name. At COMS, instruction serves as a pathway to understanding your pooch better. “We want people to leave with a deeper understanding of their dog,” Tiffany says, “and the skills to teach their dog on their own.”
How this is done is baked into the school’s staff. Each person embodies the philosophy. “Like Montessori,” Tiffany says, “we use a whole-being approach by taking into account the dogs needs and emotional state.” And with everyone there putting the dog’s needs first, without yielding to negative behavior, the change starts day one. “I've helped dogs go from terrified to happy”
Of course, the change isn’t just for your dog. “Because our style of training focuses on reinforcing when the dog does things we like, and de-emphasizes the unwanted behaviors, it can really cause a shift in how owners see their dogs.” Tiffany explains. “The relationship goes from combative to cooperative.”
This works because the positive reinforcement is backed by a team of handlers with experience promoting healthy instruction. Connecting owners to their dogs in ways that reinforce positivity and good behavior, the Columbus Ohio Muttessori School might be just what your pup needs. And for Tiffany, “Every time I see a dog or owner enjoy learning, it gives me a boost.”
“I wanted to help more people have better relationships with their dogs, so having a facility and additional trainers was the logical next step.”